Decorative Tree Power Connector for Keyed Quick Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative trees with electrical lighting elements face challenges in safe and efficient assembly and disassembly due to the complexity of multiple electrical connections required during setup and teardown.
Innovation Solution
A power connector assembly featuring a male and female connector terminal with a positioning keyway and conductive terminals, made of insulative materials, allowing for quick and secure electrical connections and disconnections by aligning the positioning key with a groove, ensuring proper rotational orientation and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrical connections are used to power decorative tree components, then electrical power can be transferred between separate electrically-powered components, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical contacts into a single connector assembly that integrates both power delivery and positioning functions. The male and female connectors are designed as unified components with multiple contacts arranged in specific patterns, allowing simultaneous connection of multiple electrical circuits through a single coupling action rather than requiring separate connection steps for each wire or contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power transfer through multiple contacts, ensures proper rotational orientation through positioning keys and grooves, maintains safe spacing to prevent short circuits, and enables quick connection and disconnection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Reliability
If multiple electrical connections are made during assembly, then complete electrical power distribution is achieved, but the risk of electrical shock and improper connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary component between power sources and decorative tree components. It provides a controlled interface that manages electrical connections through insulated housings, positioned contacts that prevent misalignment, and integrated safety features. This intermediary structure protects users from direct exposure to electrical contacts while ensuring reliable power distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates localized safety features at critical points: insulated housings surround conductive parts, positioning keys ensure proper orientation before contact, and contact arrangements provide safe spacing. These local quality enhancements address specific safety concerns without requiring complete redesign of the entire electrical system.
3Ease of operation
If traditional electrical connectors are used, then electrical connections can be established, but proper rotational orientation and quick connection are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates asymmetric positioning features including positioning keys on one side of the male connector and corresponding grooves on the female connector. These asymmetric elements create a unique orientation that guides proper alignment during connection, eliminating the need for users to manually rotate or adjust the connectors to achieve correct orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning keys and grooves are pre-configured in specific locations on the connector bodies before assembly. This preliminary arrangement of positioning features ensures that when connectors are brought together, the correct rotational orientation is automatically achieved through the mechanical guidance of the key-way interface, prior to electrical contact being established.
Data Source
AI summary
A decorative tree is disclosed, and includes a base, a vertical column supported by the base and including a plurality of interconnected hollow tubes, and a power connector assembly. The power connector assembly includes a first connector terminal and a second connector terminal. The first connector terminal includes a raised step including an annular wall with a discontinuity that defines a positioning groove, and a pair of electrical contacts exposed on the annular wall. The second connector terminal includes an annular recess configured to receive the raised step, an annular ring disposed within the annular recess, and a pair of conductive terminals extending from the annular ring. Each of the conductive terminals is configured for contact with a corresponding electrical contact of the pair of electrical contacts. A positioning key extends from the annular ring and is configured for insertion into the positioning groove.